Alan Stewart’s UK and Ireland family history news

Ulster Historical Foundation’s Buy-a-Brick Appeal

The Ulster Historical Foundation has launched an appeal for funds for its move to a new home.

Fintan Mullan, Executive Director of the Ulster Historical Foundation, says: “At the beginning of 2015, we announced our intention to move to new premises in the historic Corn Exchange building in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Due to a number of external factors beyond our control, the move was delayed.

“However, I am very pleased to advise that the lease on the premises has now been agreed and we will soon begin preparations for our relocation to the Corn Exchange. We hope to be installed in the new offices by early 2016 but to do so we need your help.

Thanks to existing contributors

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has already contributed to our appeal – your generosity is greatly appreciated, and after the unforeseen delay, to relaunch our Buy-a-Brick fundraising appeal to enable us to reach our target amount.

“To date we have received some £5,275 in Buy-a-Brick donations. These are in addition to pledges of £15,000 made by a number of third parties. This means that we are still £9,725 short of our target amount of £30,000, which we must raise, to unlock those pledges already secured.

“We believe that with your support we can reach this target, and I would like to ask you to consider supporting our campaign. Whilst the ‘bricks’ in our appeal are nominally £25.00 each (approx. $38 or €36) any contribution – no matter its size – will be gratefully received.

Other ways to help

“There are also many other ways in which you can help: you could share our appeal with family, friends or local philanthropic bodies, genealogical and historical societies interested in supporting good causes, or by simply helping to publicise the campaign further by email or through social media. Any support you can give will be most welcome.

“This is an important opportunity for the Foundation to return to the city centre, in a great location, which will enable us to better deliver on our charitable objectives to promote the history of the province of Ulster, through our genealogical, educational and community outreach activities, and to contribute to Belfast’s growing tourist market, thereby ensuring locals and visitors can more easily access the expertise and resources of the Foundation.

Costs and sound financial management

“However, the costs to fit-out what is currently an empty shell on the first floor of the Corn Exchange are extensive. For example, it is essential that we have appropriate shelving to accommodate the many thousands of volumes in our research library. The costs of the move are not insignificant and thus we are respectfully asking for your help. We hope you will feel able to assist.

“As a non-profit and registered charity, which does not receive any core funding, the Foundation is acutely aware of the importance of sound financial management and ensuring good value for money in the delivery of our services. This is why I am pleased to inform you that we have managed to negotiate a very competitive and favourable rent for the space we will be occupying in the Corn Exchange. Our move therefore represents good financial sense as well as helping to make the organisation more accessible, and providing our staff and visitors with more suitable accommodation.

“We still have some way to go to reach our goal but my colleagues and I
are confident that with your support we can make it.”